Foreign investment is essential for Mexican development. Mexico has succeeded in recent years in becoming one of the principal destinations for foreign investment, particularly in the energy, telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation and financial sectors.

As of this date, Mexico has executed 30 Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and 11 Free Trade Agreements, each containing a chapter that guarantees the reciprocal protection of investments.

Mexico has BITs in Europe with Austria, the Belgium–Luxembourg Economic Union, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. There has also been an Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and Mexico in place since 2000.

Foreigners who wish to engage in economic and commercial activities in Mexico may do so by incorporating a Mexican company or by investing as partners or shareholders in existing Mexican companies. Foreign entities may also establish a presence in Mexico through branches or representative offices.

Any foreign individual or company can become a partner or shareholder in a Mexican company without requiring prior permission, provided that the company does not engage in activities where foreign investment is restricted or excluded. The forms of direct investment can include commercial operations and intermediary operations.